Latest update March 29th, 2024 12:59 AM
Aug 09, 2009 Sports
The Guyana Squash Association recently announced the names of members of the squad to contest this year’s Senior Caribbean Championships which is scheduled to be staged in the Cayman Islands from August 17-22.
The venue is a replacement for Trinidad & Tobago which withdrew as hosts in late June after the Government requested the host association to withdraw due to the Swine Flu concerns.
Guyana was one of the countries that offered to host, but after careful consideration, the Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) awarded the event to Cayman in July.
The team is as follows
Men – Kristian Jeffrey, Raphael DeGroot, Oliver Kear-Downes, Robert McDavid, Alexander Arjoon and Regan Pollard.
Women- Nicolette Fernandes, Keisha Jeffrey, Kayla Jeffrey and Victoria Arjoon
Veterans – Brendon Mounter, Alwyn Callender and Chauncey Lee
Women-
Nicolette Fernandes – In 2006 after climbing to an all time high of 27 in the WISPA world rankings, Nicolette was named the most improved player of the year at the world squash awards. Since then she has been plagued by a knee injury, but made a return to competitive squash when she won the 2008 national women’s title as well as the St. Lucian Open.
In 2009, Fernandes continued her return playing several international tournaments and dominating the local and regional scene. She is looking forward to returning to the Caribbean stage and will be hunting for victory.
Keisha Jeffrey – An exceptionally gifted young player, Keisha has even outdone Nicolette by becoming the youngest ever national ladies champion, when she won the title in 2007 shortly after her fourteenth birthday.
She recently returned from winning her fourth Caribbean junior title after winning the Under-18 Singles. Keisha made her senior debut in last year’s Southern Caribbean Championships and is eagerly looking forward to this year’s event.
Kayla Jeffrey – Kayla has been the strongest and fittest player on our girl’s team for some time.
She should fit right in among the senior players as she already possesses the power to go toe to toe with anyone at this tournament.
Her brilliant retrieving ability and sound racquet skills will make her a player to watch in the future.
Victoria Arjoon – Victoria comes from another dominant line of squash champions, which include her uncle, the legendary Roger Arjoon, father, Andrew and older brother Alexander.
She has reigned supreme over the junior ranks with three junior titles in three years. Her shot making ability has improved and she seems to enjoy the new PAR scoring.
Much is expected of this young lady as she makes her senior debut.
Men-
Kristian Jeffrey – Undoubtedly having his best year as a senior player, Kristian has already won his second senior national title earlier this year and has one several regional senior titles already. He has been away at University in Canada and has taken the opportunity to hone his skills. He is on top of his game at the moment and possesses all the strengths which should make him a serious contender for individual glory.
Regan Pollard – A former two-time Caribbean under-19 champion and multiple senior national champion, Regan is by far the most accomplished and experienced player on this team.
He has competed in two Commonwealth Games and was once considered one of the best players in the Caribbean. He has worked tremendously hard on getting back into shape for this year’s tournament and could spring quite a few surprises.
Raphael DeGroot – 2009 has been a grand finale for Raphael in junior competition.
He played extremely well and captained the Boys team to yet another title in Barbados this year.
He is now looking forward to making a name for himself in the senior ranks.
Alexander Arjoon – Our most decorated male junior player of recent times, Alex is a two-time Caribbean junior champion and has already experienced three senior tours.
He had an outstanding junior tour this year springing a huge surprise on a higher ranked player in the final versus T&T.
Alex is the total package and will be a key player in Guyana’s bid to win the men’s team title.
Oliver Kear-Downes – A model of consistency, Oliver has the game to give even the very best players at this tournament something to think about.
He missed out on the junior tour this year and is anxious to make amends. Oilver is looking forward to the experience of playing in his second senior regional tournament.
Robert McDavid – Robert is a former junior national player who now resides in the US and plays for Rochester University.
He also coaches in the summer at Princeton University. He is a great athlete with an outstanding retrieving ability. Although he resides overseas, Robert has remained committed to Guyana’s squash and will be an asset to this balanced men’s team.
Veterans
Brendon Mounter – The ‘youngest’ Veteran on the team, Brendon gained his first cap in 2004.
In between tournaments Brendon frequently disposes of opponents half his age without breaking a sweat. During the year, he campaigns for champions Middlesex in the UK county league in the Men’s +45 division.
At the club level, he plays for the Southgate Squash Club in London. He is anxious to do well in this year’s competition.
Alwyn Callender- Although he resides overseas, ‘Slash’ as he is commonly referred to has played on the senior regional tournament every year since the early 1990s.
He is a consummate professional and a team leader, playing the roles of Coach/Manager/Player. Alwyn has won several regional titles.
Chauncey Lee- A former national women’s player, Chauncey is looking forward to making her veteran’s debut this year.
She’s been training quite hard and looking forward to doing her native land proud.
THIS IDIOT TELLING GUYANA WE HAVE NO SAY IN THE 50% PROFIT SHARING AGREEMENT WE HAVE WITH EXXON.
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